Crawler structure and crawler crane

The crawler structure simplifies side frame removal by using an actuator with detachable fixing portions that change positions to avoid interference, facilitating easy disassembly of crawler crane components.

JP7825474B2Active Publication Date: 2026-03-06SUMITOMO HEAVY IND CONSTR CRANES CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022043439
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-03-18
Publication Date
2026-03-06
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional crawler structures for cranes do not facilitate easy removal of side frames, leading to a significant workload during disassembly.

Method used

The crawler structure incorporates an actuator with a base end and an extension/contraction portion, where the base end is attached to one side frame and the extension/contraction portion to the other, allowing detachment and fixation to the truck frame, with fixing portions that can change positions to avoid interference during extension/contraction, and are detachable without additional mounting on the frame.

Benefits of technology

Enables easy removal of side frames by allowing one side frame to be pushed out while the other is fixed to the truck frame, reducing the effort required and minimizing interference, thus simplifying the disassembly process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To make it possible to detach left and right track frames by utilizing a cylinder.SOLUTION: A crawler structure includes a track frame 11, two side frames 14 disposed on respective sides of the track frame 11, and an actuator 16 that stretches or contracts the two side frames 14. The actuator 16 includes a proximal part 161 and a contractile part 162 that is contractile with respect to the proximal part 161. The proximal part 161 of the actuator 16 is attached to one of the side frames 14, and the contractile part 162 of the actuator 16 is attached to the other one of the side frames 14. When one of the side frames 14 is detached from the track frame 11, the actuator 16 is fixed to the track frame 11 and can thrust the other one of the side frames 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crawler structure and a crawler crane. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A work vehicle, for example, a crawler crane, has a crawler structure that includes a track frame that serves as the main body, and side frames provided on both the left and right sides of the track frame. In some crawler cranes, each side frame is slidably mounted in the left-right direction relative to the track frame, and work is performed with the left and right side frames spaced apart relative to the track frame, while vehicles are transported with the space between the left and right side frames spaced apart. Some crawler cranes have one side frame connected to the cylinder side of a retract cylinder and the other side frame connected to the piston rod side, and the side frames are expanded and contracted by a single retract cylinder (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-001896 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the above-mentioned conventional crawler structure allows the distance between each side frame to be easily increased or decreased by operating the retract cylinder, no consideration was given to the removal of each side frame, which resulted in a significant workload during removal.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it easier to remove side frames. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides In the crawler structure, The truck frame and Two side frames arranged on both sides of the truck frame; an actuator that increases or decreases the distance between the two side frames, the actuator has a base end and an extension / contraction portion that is extendable and contractible relative to the base end, the base end of the actuator is attached to one of the side frames, and the extension / contraction portion of the actuator is attached to the other side frame, a crawler structure, The actuator is configured to be detached from one of the side frames and to be able to push out the other side frame while being fixed to the truck frame. the law of nature, the truck frame has a first fixing portion capable of connecting and fixing the base end portion of the actuator detached from one of the side frames, and a second fixing portion capable of connecting and fixing the extension / contraction portion of the actuator detached from the other of the side frames, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are respectively in a use position where they are connected to and fixed to the base end portion or the extension / contraction portion of the actuator, and are changeable to a retracted position that is different from the use position and does not interfere with the extension / contraction of the actuator, In the use position, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion do not interfere with each other when the actuator extends or contracts. It is a composition. The present invention also provides a crawler structure, The truck frame and Two side frames arranged on both sides of the truck frame; an actuator that increases or decreases the distance between the two side frames, the actuator has a base end and an extension / contraction portion that is extendable and contractible relative to the base end, the base end of the actuator is attached to one of the side frames, and the extension / contraction portion of the actuator is attached to the other side frame, a crawler structure, the actuator is capable of pushing out one of the side frames while being detached from the other side frame and being fixed to the truck frame; the truck frame has a first fixing portion capable of connecting and fixing the base end portion of the actuator detached from one of the side frames, and a second fixing portion capable of connecting and fixing the extension / contraction portion of the actuator detached from the other of the side frames, At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured to be detachable from the track frame, at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured to be attachable to the track frame without providing an attachment portion on the track frame for attaching an attachment member for attaching the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the track frame, At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is composed of a plurality of divided bodies, and by engaging the plurality of divided bodies with the track frame and connecting the plurality of divided bodies to each other, the configuration is such that the divided bodies will not fall off the track frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the side frame can be easily removed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a lower traveling body including a crawler structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the truck frame of the undercarriage. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the truck frame of the lower traveling body, seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the lower traveling body along the up-down and left-right directions. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of removing the traveling device from the state shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of removing the traveling device from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of removing the traveling device from the state shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of removing the traveling device from the state shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of removing the traveling device from the state shown in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Outline of the embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a crawler crane according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a crawler crane characterized by a crawler structure is exemplified. As shown in Figure 2(B), the crawler crane has a lower running body 1, an upper rotating body that is rotatably mounted on the lower running body 1 via a slewing ring, and a boom that is pivotally supported on the upper rotating body so that it can be raised and lowered. In this embodiment, the configurations other than the lower traveling body 1 are well known, and therefore illustrations and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the lower body 1 of a crawler crane equipped with a distinctive crawler structure, FIG. 2(A) is a side view, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front portion of a track frame 11 (described later) of the lower body 1, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the track frame 11. In the following explanation, the forward direction of the crawler crane (work machine) is referred to as "front," the backward direction as "rear," the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction as "left-to-right direction," and one vertical direction as "up" and the other as "down." The left-to-right direction may also be referred to as "width direction." The following explanation of each direction is based on the assumption that the crawler crane is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0011] The lower traveling body 1 has a track frame 11 with a slewing wheel at the top, and a pair of traveling devices 13 provided on the left and right sides of the track frame 11. A total of four beams 12 extending left and right are provided at the front and rear of the truck frame 11. Each beam 12 is a rectangular pillar-shaped body in a side view.

[0012] The left and right traveling devices 13 are supported by two beams 12 at the front and rear of the truck frame 11, respectively. The left-side traveling device 13 and the right-side traveling device 13 have a structure that is plane-symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane along the front-to-rear direction. In other words, by switching the left-side traveling device 13 left and right, it becomes the same structure as the right-side traveling device 13. For this reason, in the following explanation, the configuration of the left-side traveling device 13 will be explained, and the configuration of the right-side traveling device 13 will be assigned the same reference numerals as the left-side traveling device 13 and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0013] The traveling device 13 includes a side frame 14, a traveling drive device 15, and a crawler belt (track) 131. The traveling drive device 15 is located near the rear end of each side frame 14. The traveling drive unit 15 has an idler 154, an upper roller 152, and a lower roller 153, which are respectively provided at the front, upper, and lower parts of the side frame 14. The crawler belt 131 is attached to the idler 154, the upper roller 152, the lower roller 153, and the drive wheel 151 so as to be stretched across them.

[0014] The side frames 14 are long in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the side frames 14 are provided with fitting portions 141 (see FIG. 5) at two locations, one at the front and one at the rear, into which the front and rear beams 12 are individually fitted. Each fitting portion 141 is rectangular in side view and has a square cylindrical shape that penetrates in the left-right direction, and the beams 12 are inserted inside the fitting portions 141 to connect the track frame 11 and the side frames 14.

[0015] Furthermore, the traveling device 13 can move left and right along the beam 12 when the beam 12 is inserted into the fitting portion 141. In Fig. 1, the right traveling device 13 (side frame 14) is shown in a state where it is in a working position (hereinafter referred to as a working position) where it is furthest away (extended) from the truck frame 11 within a range of movement that is preset for the truck frame 11. Furthermore, the left traveling device 13 (side frame 14) in Fig. 1 is shown in a state where it is in a transporting position (hereinafter referred to as a transporting position) where it is furthest away (retracted) from the truck frame 11 within a range of movement that is preset for the truck frame 11.

[0016] In Figure 1, for the purpose of explanation, the left and right traveling devices 13 are shown in the working position and the transport position, respectively, but in reality, both traveling devices 13 are positioned in the working position during work, and both traveling devices 13 are positioned in the transport position during transport.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the track frame 11 and the left and right traveling devices 13 along the up-down and left-right directions. The expansion and contraction operation of the left and right traveling devices 13 to switch between the working position and the transport position is performed by an actuator, i.e., a cylinder 16 using fluid pressure such as hydraulic pressure, as a drive source. Note that an electric actuator incorporating a motor or the like may also be used as the actuator. The truck frame 11 described above has two parallel frame members 111 extending in the front-rear direction, and a cylinder 112 penetrating in the left-right direction is provided concentrically with each frame member 111. The cylinder 16 is arranged loosely inserted within the cylinder 112 of each frame member 111.

[0018] The cylinder 16 has a base end 161 consisting of a cylindrical cylinder tube into which a working fluid is supplied, an extension / contraction part 162 consisting of a piston rod that can be extended and contracted from the base end 161, and a bellows-shaped cover 163 that covers the outer periphery of the extension / contraction part 162. The inner diameters of the two cylinders 112 of the truck frame 11 are larger than the maximum outer diameter of the base end 161 and the maximum outer diameter of the cover 163, and each cylinder 112 does not contact or restrain the cylinder 16 when connected to the left and right side frames 14.

[0019] A through-hole for connecting to the right side frame 14 is drilled in the vertical direction at the tip of the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 (the end opposite the telescopic portion 162). A connecting portion 142, consisting of a pair of upper and lower bracket pieces into which the tip of the base end 161 is inserted, extends from the right side frame 14 toward the truck frame 11, and each bracket piece of the connecting portion 142 is also provided with a through-hole. The cylinder 16 and the right side frame 14 can be connected by inserting the tip of the base end 161 between the pair of brackets of the connecting portion 142 and inserting a connecting pin 164 with the respective through-holes aligned. The connection can be released by pulling out the connecting pin 164.

[0020] A through-hole is also drilled in the vertical direction at the tip end of the extendable portion 162 (the end opposite to the base end portion 161) for connecting to the left side frame 14. The diameter of the through-hole at the tip end of the extendable portion 162 is set to be the same as that of the base end portion 161 described above. On the left side frame 14, a pair of upper and lower bracket pieces that constitute a connecting part 142 into which the tip of the expandable part 162 is inserted extend toward the truck frame 11, and through holes are also formed in the pair of upper and lower bracket pieces that constitute the connecting part 142. The connecting part 142 has the same shape and dimensions as the connecting part 142 of the right side frame 14. The cylinder 16 and the left side frame 14 can be connected by inserting the tip end of the extendable portion 162 between the pair of brackets of the connecting portion 142 and inserting the connecting pin 164 while aligning the respective through holes. The connected state can be released by pulling out the connecting pin 164. While the connecting pin 164 is the same as the connecting pin 164 that connects the base end portion 161, the connecting pin of the base end portion 161 and the connecting pin of the extendable portion 162 may have different outer diameters. In this case, the connecting portions 142 of the left and right side frames 14 also have through holes with different inner diameters.

[0021] Furthermore, each side frame 14 is provided with position fixing plates 143 extending in the left-right direction toward the track frame 11, at the front and rear of the side frames 14 so as to sandwich the track frame 11 therebetween. Each of the position fixing plates 143 has two through holes in the left-right direction. The track frame 11 also has through holes with the same inner diameter as the through holes of the position fixing plates 143, arranged so as to be overlapping with the position fixing plates 143. The side frame 14 can be fixed in the work position by aligning one of the through holes of each of the position fixing plates 143 with the through hole of the track frame 11 and inserting a lock pin 144 (the side frame 14 on the right side in FIG. 1). The side frame 14 can be fixed in the transport position by aligning the other through hole of each of the position fixing plates 143 with the through hole of the track frame 11 and inserting the lock pin 144 (the side frame 14 on the left side in FIG. 1).

[0022] The left and right traveling devices 13 (side frames 14) can be removed from the truck frame 11 by pulling out the connecting pin 164 of the cylinder 16 and the lock pin 144 of the position fixing plate 143 and then moving them outward in the left and right direction from the working position. This makes it possible to transport the crawler crane more easily. However, in the past, it was not anticipated that the left and right traveling devices 13 would be removed from the truck frame 11 using the cylinder 16, so the cylinder 16 only had a stroke that was sufficient to switch the left and right traveling devices 13 between the transport position and the work position, and it was difficult to push out both the left and right traveling devices 13 using the cylinder 16 with just the configuration described above.

[0023] Furthermore, even if the cylinder 16 has a sufficient stroke, it is possible to push out one of the traveling devices 13 while the other traveling device 13 is connected to one end (e.g., base end 161) of the cylinder 16, but after the other traveling device 13 is pushed out and removed from the truck frame 11, the other end (e.g., telescopic part 162) of the cylinder 16 can no longer be supported, so the remaining traveling device 13 cannot be pushed out.

[0024] The lower traveling body 1 is configured so that when one of the traveling devices 13 is removed from the truck frame 11, the cylinder 16 is fixed to the truck frame 11 and can push out the other traveling device 13, thereby allowing the left and right traveling devices 13 to be removed from the truck frame 11 using the cylinder 16. Specifically, the lower traveling body 1 is provided with a first fixing part 20 for fixing a base end part 161 of the cylinder 16 and a second fixing part 30 for fixing an extension part 162 of the cylinder 16.

[0025] The following describes the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30. Since the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30 have the same configuration, the same reference numerals are used for the second fixed portion 30 as for the first fixed portion 20, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0026] The first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 are attached to the left and right frame members 111 of the truck frame 11, respectively. That is, the first fixing portion 20 is arranged on the truck frame 11 so as to hold the tip of the base end portion 161 of the cylinder 16 at a position closer to the other traveling device 13 (left side) than the position of the tip of the base end portion 161 when one traveling device 13 (the right traveling device 13) is in the transport position. In addition, the second fixing portion 30 is arranged on the truck frame 11 so as to hold the tip of the telescopic portion 162 of the cylinder 16 at a position closer to one of the traveling devices 13 (to the right) than the position of the tip of the telescopic portion 162 when the other traveling device 13 (the left traveling device 13) is in the transport position.

[0027] Both the first fixed part 20 and the second fixed part 30 have a base 21 that connects and holds the tip of the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 or the tip of the extension part 162, and a pair of support frames 22 that support the base 21.

[0028] The pair of support frames 22 have locking claws 221 that are inserted into the cylinders 112 of the frame material 111, connecting portions 222 that connect the pair of opposing support frames 22 to each other, and a pair of side walls 223 that support the base 21. These are formed by bending a metal plate, but may be formed from a material other than metal as long as the required strength can be ensured.

[0029] The pair of support frames 22 are arranged so that each sandwiches the lower part of the frame material 111 from both the left and right sides, and are attached to the truck frame 11 by inserting the locking claws 221 into the cylinder 112 from both the left and right sides and connecting the connecting parts 222 to each other on the underside of the frame material 111. In this way, the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 have support frames 22 as divided bodies, and by connecting the two support frames 22 together while they are engaged with the track frame 11, they are configured not to fall off from the track frame 11.

[0030] The connecting portions 222 are overlapped with each other and connected by fastening members such as screws or bolts or connecting pins, and the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 are attached to the frame material 111 in a detachable manner. In this way, the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 are configured to be attachable to the truck frame 11 without providing mounting portions such as bolt holes or pin holes on the truck frame 11 for attaching mounting members such as bolts or pins for attaching the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 to the truck frame 11. If attachment and detachment of the first fixing part 20 and the fixing part 30 is not taken into consideration, the connecting parts 222 may be connected to each other by rivets, adhesive, or welding. The locking claw 221 has a peripheral shape that fits along the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 112 and does not come into contact with the base end portion 161 or the extension portion 162 of the cylinder 16 that is loosely inserted into the cylinder 112 .

[0031] The side wall 223 consists of a pair of opposing walls erected on the left or right side of the cylinder 112, on both the front and rear sides of the cylinder 16 which is loosely inserted into the cylinder 112, and is positioned slightly lower so as not to come into contact with the cylinder 16.

[0032] 4, one or both of the pair of support frames 22 are provided with support parts 224 made of resin rollers (the support parts 224 of the first fixed part 20 are omitted in FIG. 3). The support parts 224 are made of a shaft part whose both ends are rotatably supported by a pair of opposing walls that make up the side wall 223, and a drum-shaped roller part that can rotate around the shaft part. The roller parts of the support parts 224 are arranged so that they come close to or abut from below against the base end part 161 of the cylinder 16 loosely inserted into the cylinder 112 or the cover 163 of the extension / retraction part 162, and when the cylinder 16 extends or retracts to remove the traveling device 13, the roller parts roll to promote smooth operation. The support portion 224 is set to an appropriate height so that when it abuts against the cover 163 of the base end portion 161 or the extension portion 162 from below, the upper part of the cover 163 of the base end portion 161 or the extension portion 162 does not come into contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 112. In addition, since the base end portion 161 of the cylinder 16 is harder than the cover 163 of the extension / contraction portion 162, the support portion 224 on the first fixed portion 20 side may be omitted.

[0033] Additionally, the "support" in support section 224 means reducing frictional resistance in the direction of extension and retraction of cylinder 16. Therefore, a roller section such as support section 224 may rotate to reduce frictional resistance, or the support section may be configured such that the portion of cylinder 16 that comes into contact with the surroundings or the portion that comes into contact with cylinder 16 when it extends and retracts is made of resin or the like to reduce the coefficient of friction. Alternatively, these may be used in combination.

[0034] The base 21 comprises a pair of arms 211 whose one end can be connected to a pair of opposing walls constituting the side walls 223 of the support frame 22, and a base plate 212 to which the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 or the tip end of the extension / contraction section 162 can be connected, and these are integrally formed so that when viewed from the left and right, they form a U-shape with the opening facing up or down.

[0035] The pair of arms 211 have one end extending in the left-right direction and the other end bent upward or downward. One end of the pair of arm portions 211 is individually connected to a pair of opposing walls that make up the side wall 223. These connections are made using fastening members such as screws or bolts, or connecting pins, etc., and allow the base 21 to be attached to and detached from the support frame 22. In addition, it is preferable that the base 21 be attached to the side wall 223 of the support frame 22 on the running device 13 side (outside in the left-right direction) of the pair of support frames 22, but it may also be attached to the other support frame 22 as long as it does not interfere with other components.

[0036] The base plate 212 has both front and rear ends connected to the other ends of the pair of arms 211, respectively. The pair of arms 211 can be connected to a pair of opposing walls constituting the side wall 223, with the other ends of the pair of arms 211 and the base plate 212 facing upward (base plate 212 of the first fixing part 20 in FIG. 6: in-use position). In addition, by inverting the base 21 and connecting the pair of arms 211 to a pair of opposing walls constituting the side wall 223, the other ends of the pair of arms 211 and the base plate 212 can be connected to a pair of opposing walls constituting the side wall 223, with the other ends of the pair of arms 211 and the base plate 212 facing downward (base plate 212 of the first fixing part 20 in FIG. 5: retracted position).

[0037] The base plate 212 is a rectangular flat plate, and in its center there is a through hole formed in the vertical direction into which a connecting pin 164 can be inserted to connect the base end 161 and the tip end of the telescopic part 162 of the aforementioned cylinder 16 to the connecting part 142 of the side frame 14. Therefore, by overlapping the base end 161 and the tip end of the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16 on the base plate 212 of the base 21, aligning their through holes, and inserting the connecting pin 164, the base end 161 and the tip end of the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16 can be connected and fixed to the base 21. Furthermore, by pulling out the connecting pin 164, the connected state can be released.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, by attaching the base 21 to the support frame 22 with the base plate 212 facing downward, the base 21 is spaced downward from the cylinder 16 and is positioned (retracted position) so as not to interfere with the cylinder 16 as it performs its extension and retraction operation. 6, by attaching the base 21 to the support frame 22 with the base plate 212 facing upward, the upper surface of the base plate 212 becomes flush with the lower surface of the base end 161 or the tip end of the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16. Therefore, the base 21 is in the use position, and by aligning the positions of the through holes in the base plate 212 and the tip end of the base end 161 or the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16 and then inserting the connecting pin 164, it becomes possible to connect and hold the base end 161 or the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16.

[0039] Next, the operation of removing the left and right traveling devices 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 shows the lower traveling body 1 before the removal work, with each traveling device 13 in the working position. Furthermore, each of the bases 21 of the first and second fixing parts 20, 30 is normally attached to the support frame 22 in a retracted position facing downward (except when the traveling device 13 is being removed). When removing the traveling device 13, the traveling device 13 to be removed and the end of the truck frame 11 on the traveling device 13 side are each lifted up with a crane or the like to keep them in a state where they do not apply any load to the ground side.

[0040] First, as shown in Fig. 6, the connecting pin 164 that connects the tip of the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 to the right-side traveling device 13 is pulled out, and the base end 161 is set free to contract the cylinder 16. As a result, the base end 161 moves relatively toward the extension / contraction section 162. Furthermore, the downward facing base 21 of the first fixing part 20 is reattached to the upward facing position (usage position), and the tip of the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 is aligned with the base plate 212 and connected by the connecting pin 164.

[0041] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, when the cylinder 16 is extended, the left traveling device 13 can be pushed outward from the truck frame 11. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the connecting pin 164 that connects the tip of the extension / contraction portion 162 of the cylinder 16 to the left traveling device 13 is pulled out, and the traveling device 13 is removed from the truck frame 11. Furthermore, the cylinder 16 is contracted again, thereby moving the tip end of the expansion / contraction part 162 toward the base end part 161 side. Then, the base 21 of the second fixing part 30 is reattached so that it faces upward (usage position), and the tip of the extension part 162 of the cylinder 16 is aligned with the base plate 212 and connected by the connecting pin 164.

[0042] 9, the connecting pin 164 connecting the base 21 of the first fixed part 20 and the tip of the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 is pulled out, and the base 21 of the first fixed part 20, which had been facing upward, is reattached to a downward position (retracted position), and the tip of the base end 161 is extended to the connecting part 142 of the right-side traveling device 13. Then, the tip of the base end 161 and the connecting part 142 of the right-side traveling device 13 are connected with the connecting pin 164, and the cylinder 16 is extended again, thereby pushing the right-side traveling device 13 outward from the truck frame 11.

[0043] 10, the connecting pin 164 connecting the tip of the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 to the right-side traveling device 13 is pulled out, and the traveling device 13 is removed from the truck frame 11. Furthermore, the cylinder 16 is contracted, and the tip of the base end 161 is moved back to the connecting position of the base 21 of the first fixed part 20. Then, the downward-facing base 21 of the first fixing part 20 is reattached to an upward position (usage position), and the tip of the base end 161 and the base 21 of the first fixing part 20 are connected with the connecting pin 164, thereby completing the removal of the running devices 13 on both the left and right sides.

[0044] Although the above-described removal of the left and right traveling devices 13 is illustrated as an example in which the left traveling device 13 is removed first, the right traveling device 13 may be removed first. Furthermore, if the stroke of the cylinder 16 is sufficiently long, the left-side traveling device 13 may be pushed outward while the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 remains connected to the right-side traveling device 13, following the steps already described in Figure 5, and then the left and right traveling devices 13 may be removed using the same steps as those in Figures 8 to 10.

[0045] [Technical Effects of the Embodiments of the Invention] The crawler structure of the lower traveling body 1 is such that the cylinder 16 can push out one traveling device 13 (side frame 14) when the other traveling device 13 is removed and fixed to the track frame 11. In the above configuration, even if the left and right traveling devices 13 are connected to one end and the other end of the cylinder 16 to expand and contract relative to each other, the left and right traveling devices 13 can be easily removed by pushing them out individually using the cylinder 16. Furthermore, even if there is only one cylinder 16, the left and right traveling devices 13 can be pushed out individually and easily removed. Furthermore, when a single cylinder 16 is installed, compared to a configuration in which the left and right traveling devices 13 are moved individually by two cylinders 16 whose base ends 161 are connected to the truck frame 11, each traveling device 13 can be pushed by the expansion and contraction force of a single cylinder 16, thereby reducing power and energy costs depending on the number of cylinders 16.

[0046] The truck frame 11 also has a first fixing part 20 to which the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 removed from the left traveling device 13 can be connected and fixed, and a second fixing part 30 to which the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16 removed from the right traveling device 13 can be connected and fixed. Therefore, the base end 161 of the cylinder 16 can be connected to the first fixing part 20 to push out the right traveling device 13 and easily removed, and the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16 can be connected to the second fixing part 30 to push out the left traveling device 13 and easily removed.

[0047] Furthermore, the first and second fixing parts 20, 30 and the connecting part 142 to which the cylinder 16 of the traveling device 13 is connected are connected to the cylinder 16 in the same manner. That is, the connection between the first and second fixing parts 20, 30 and the cylinder 16 and the connection between the connecting part 142 of the traveling device 13 and the cylinder 16 are both structured such that through holes are overlapped and connected by a connecting pin 164. Therefore, costs can be reduced by standardizing the parts, and the use of a common connecting pin 164 makes it possible to facilitate the connecting work.

[0048] In addition, both the first fixed part 20 and the second fixed part 30 are provided with a support part 224 that supports the extension and retraction movement of the cylinder 16. Therefore, as the cylinder 16 extends and retracts, the base end portion 161 and the extension / retraction portion 162 are supported by the support portion 224 and can move smoothly, making it possible to effectively protect the base end portion 161, the extension / retraction portion 162, or the cover 163 from sliding against the surrounding area or damage.

[0049] Furthermore, since the second fixing portion 30 can fix the extension / contraction portion 162 when the cylinder is contracted, it is possible to prevent the extension / contraction portion 162 and the cover 163 from coming into contact with the surroundings during transportation, etc., thereby making it possible to protect them.

[0050] The first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 are configured to be detachable from the truck frame 11. Note that "detachable" here refers to a detachable structure using connecting pins, bolts, etc., and refers to a structure that can be separated without causing partial destruction, etc. By configuring it to be detachable in this manner, it is possible to improve convenience and versatility by retrofitting the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 to the lower running body 1, or by attaching the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 as needed.

[0051] Furthermore, the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 are configured to be attachable to the track frame 11 without providing the track frame 11 with attachment portions such as bolt holes or pin holes for receiving attachment members such as bolts or pins for attaching the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 to the track frame 11. Therefore, it is possible to retrofit the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30 to an existing crawler structure, and it is possible to easily remove the traveling device 13 using the first fixing portion 20 and the second fixing portion 30.

[0052] In particular, the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 have a pair of support frames 22 as multiple divided bodies, and are configured so that they will not fall off the track frame 11 by connecting the pair of support frames 22 together while they are engaged with the track frame 11. This makes it easy to attach and detach the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30.

[0053] Furthermore, the truck frame 11 has a beam 12 arranged along the expansion / contraction direction of each of the two traveling devices 13 (side frames 14), and the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30 are attached to a frame member 111 of the truck frame 11 arranged perpendicular to the beam 12 so as to sandwich the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30. This makes it easy to arrange the pair of support frames 22 of the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30 side by side in the expansion / contraction direction of the cylinder 16, and enables the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30 to be arranged in an appropriate orientation. Furthermore, a simple configuration is achieved using the frame member 111 of the truck frame 11 arranged perpendicular to the beam 12, and the first fixed portion 20 and the second fixed portion 30 can be attached to the frame member 111. This ensures the strength of the truck frame with a simple configuration and allows for a low-cost configuration.

[0054] Furthermore, the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 can be maintained in a state where they are attached to the truck frame 11 with the telescopic part 162 of the cylinder 16 in an extended state. In other words, by positioning the base 21 of the first fixing part 20 and the second fixing part 30 in a retracted position with the base plate 212 facing downward, it is possible to avoid interference with the cylinder 16 that performs the extension and retraction operation, and the base 21 can be kept attached to the truck frame 11 at all times, eliminating the need to secure storage space and making it possible to prevent loss. In other words, "being able to maintain" does not only mean that the cylinder 16 can be extended without changing the location of the base 21 to another location on the track frame 11 when the cylinder 16 is connected to the first fixed part 20 or the second fixed part 30 in a contracted state, but also means that the base 21 can be changed to a state where it is attached to another location on the track frame 11 when the cylinder 16 is extended or contracted.

[0055] [others] The details shown in the above embodiment of the invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the first and second fixed parts 20, 30 and the cylinder 16 are connected using the connecting pin 164, but this is not limited to this. However, it is preferable that the connection be such that stress is applied to at least one of the members connected to each other, or to a member interposed between the members connected to each other. For example, a bolt may be used instead of the connecting pin 164. Also, the relationship between the cylinder and a member that is pressed against the base end or telescopic part of the cylinder 16 and applies a pressing force when pushing out the traveling device 13 may be considered as the above-mentioned "connection." However, if the base end or telescopic part of the cylinder 16 is clamped and held, the base end or telescopic part cannot remain connected to the first and second fixed parts 20, 30 when pushing out the traveling device 13, and therefore this is not considered to be the above-mentioned "connection."

[0056] Furthermore, in the first and second fixing parts 20, 30, the base 21 can be switched between the retracted position and the use position by changing only its orientation without changing the mounting position, but the mounting position of the base 21 may also be changed. For example, when in the retracted position, the base 21 may be mounted at a lower position on the pair of side walls 223 of the support frame 22, or may be mounted to the connecting part 222, thereby avoiding interference with the cylinder 16. In that case, the orientation of the base 21 does not have to be downward as long as no interference occurs.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the cylinder tube of the cylinder 16 as the actuator is exemplified as the base end 161, and the piston rod as the telescopic portion 162. However, as long as the base end and the telescopic portion of the actuator are in a relatively telescopic relationship, either may be the base end, and either may be the telescopic portion. Therefore, the cylinder tube of the cylinder 16 as an actuator may be the telescopic part, and the piston rod may be the base end.

[0058] The crawler structure may also be configured such that two cylinders 16 are connected to two traveling devices 13 in parallel. In this case, the base ends 161 of the two cylinders 16 may both be connected to the same traveling device 13, and the extension / contraction portions 162 of the two cylinders 16 may both be connected to the same other traveling device 13. In addition, the base end 161 of one cylinder 16 may be connected to one running device 13 and the extension / contraction portion 162 may be connected to the other running device 13, and the base end 161 of the other cylinder 16 may be connected to the other running device 13 and the extension / contraction portion 162 may be connected to one running device 13.

[0059] As described above, in the configuration in which two cylinders 16 are connected in parallel to two traveling devices 13, the base ends 161 of the two cylinders 16 are connected to both sides of the truck frame 11, respectively, and the telescopic portions 162 of the two cylinders 16 are connected to the left and right traveling devices 13, respectively. Compared to the comparative configuration in which the base ends 161 of the two cylinders 16 are connected to both sides of the truck frame 11, respectively, and the telescopic portions 162 of the two cylinders 16 are connected to the left and right traveling devices 13, respectively, the two cylinders 16 can be arranged so that they do not interfere with each other, making it possible to keep the left and right width of the lower traveling body 1 small.

[0060] Furthermore, in the case of a configuration in which two cylinders 16 are connected in parallel to two traveling devices 13, when removing a traveling device 13, the force of both cylinders 16 can be used to push one traveling device 13, compared to the comparative configuration described above, so the force of each individual cylinder 16 can be reduced, thereby enabling reductions in power and energy costs.

[0061] Furthermore, the mounting structure of the first fixing portion 20 or the second fixing portion 30 to the truck frame 11 is not limited to the configuration already described, and at least one of them may have a clamp portion (for example, a vice structure that clamps the truck frame 11 from the left and right or the top and bottom, or an annular clamp), and by clamping the track frame 11 with the clamp portion, it may be configured so that it does not fall off the track frame 11. In these cases, the first fixing part 20 or the second fixing part 30 can be attached to the truck frame 11 without additional work, so the present invention can also be applied to existing cranes.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a crawler crane is used as an example of a work machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to hydraulic excavators and various other work machines in which the side frames expand and contract relative to the body frame. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Undercarriage 10. Crawler crane 11 Truck Frame 111 Frame material 112 Cylinder 12 Beam 13 Running gear 14 Side frame 143 Position fixing plate 144 Lock pin 16 Cylinder (actuator) 161 Proximal end 162 Telescopic part 163 Cover 164 connecting pin 20 1st fixed part 21 Pedestal 22 Support frame (divided body) 224 Support Department 30 Second fixed part

Claims

1. The truck frame and Two side frames arranged on both sides of the truck frame; an actuator that increases or decreases the distance between the two side frames, the actuator has a base end and an extension / contraction portion that is extendable and contractible relative to the base end, the base end of the actuator is attached to one of the side frames, and the extension / contraction portion of the actuator is attached to the other side frame, a crawler structure, the actuator is capable of pushing out one of the side frames while being detached from the other side frame and being fixed to the truck frame; the truck frame has a first fixing portion that can be connected to and fixed to the base end portion of the actuator detached from one of the side frames, and a second fixing portion that can be connected to and fixed to the extension / contraction portion of the actuator detached from the other side frame, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are respectively in a use position where they are coupled to and fixed to the base end portion or the extension / contraction portion of the actuator, and are changeable to a retracted position that is different from the use position and does not interfere with the extension / contraction of the actuator, In the use position, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion do not interfere with each other when the actuator extends or contracts. Crawler structure.

2. The truck frame includes a frame member connected to the side frame, At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is separate from the frame material, is detachable from the frame material, and the use position and the retracted position can be changed by changing the attachment direction with respect to the frame material. The crawler structure according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion and the connecting portion of the side frame to which the actuator is connected are connected in the same manner as the actuator. The crawler structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least one of the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion includes a support portion that supports the expansion and contraction motion of the actuator. The crawler structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The support part abuts against the actuator from below and is set at an appropriate height so that the top of the actuator does not come into contact with the track frame when expanding or contracting. The crawler structure according to claim 4 .

6. At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured to be detachable from the track frame. The crawler structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured to be attachable to the truck frame without providing the truck frame with an attachment portion for attaching an attachment member for attaching the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the truck frame. The crawler structure according to claim 6.

8. The truck frame and Two side frames arranged on both sides of the truck frame; an actuator that increases or decreases the distance between the two side frames, the actuator has a base end and an extension / contraction portion that is extendable and contractible relative to the base end, the base end of the actuator is attached to one of the side frames, and the extension / contraction portion of the actuator is attached to the other side frame, a crawler structure, the actuator is capable of pushing out one of the side frames while being detached from the other side frame and being fixed to the truck frame; the truck frame has a first fixing portion that can be connected to and fixed to the base end portion of the actuator detached from one of the side frames, and a second fixing portion that can be connected to and fixed to the extension / contraction portion of the actuator detached from the other side frame, At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured to be detachable from the track frame, at least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured to be attachable to the track frame without providing an attachment portion on the track frame for attaching an attachment member for attaching the first fixing portion or the second fixing portion to the track frame, At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is configured by a plurality of divided bodies, and the divided bodies are connected to each other while being engaged with the track frame, so that the divided bodies do not come off from the track frame. Crawler structure.

9. At least one of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is connecting the base end portion or the expansion / contraction portion of the actuator in a state in which the expansion / contraction portion of the actuator is contracted; The actuator can be maintained attached to the truck frame with the extension portion of the actuator extended. A crawler structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A crawler crane comprising the crawler structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Citation Information

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